The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of assistive devices on the level of depression among older adults. Using data from the 2015 and 2018 waves of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Studies (CHARLS), we analysed this effect through the PSM-DID model and verified the mechanism of the effect through Hayes' mediating effect model. The results showed that assistive devices increased depression levels in older adults. Moreover, there were significant differences among different groups of older adults. The use of assistive devices in developed areas, women, people under 75 years old, and socially active older people had a deeper impact on the level of depression. Differences in the type and number of assistive devices used also affect the level of depression in older people. Furthermore, assistive devices use in older adults increases depression levels by decreasing health satisfaction. This study provides new evidence to explore the relationship between the use of assistive devices and depression levels in older adults. Meanwhile, our research illustrates the importance of developing products and services with age-friendly technology.
Keywords: PSM-DID (difference-in-difference propensity score matching method); assistive technology devices; depression level; older adults.
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